Former Rangers star Gennaro Gattuso is reportedly now top target to become Tottenham Hotspur manager.
Earlier on Thursday, the ex-Ibrox midfielder left Fiorentina after just 23 days in charge.
That bizarre development has now coincided with Spurs' negotiations with former Roma boss Paulo Fonseca breaking down.
It's claimed club and manager were able to come to an agreement on finances and talks have ended.
And now several reports claim the Premier League club are "closing in" on appointing Fonseca's countryman Gattuso.
He departed Fiorentina without managing a single match in a dispute believed to involve the club's unwillingness to work with agent Jorge Mendes.
A surprising twist could now see him managing in England next season - albeit having been well down Spurs' list of targets.
They were rejected by Antonio Conte before turning to Fonseca, who initially looked set to swap places with Jose Mourinho.
The Portuguese was sacked by Spurs last season and has now taken over Fonseca's position at Roma.
Gattuso has previously managed AC Milan and Napoli in Serie A following stints with Pisa, OFI Crete, Palermo and FC Sion.
The 43-year-old is fondly remembered by Rangers fans despite spending just over a year in Glasgow.
He went on to win two Champions Leagues with Milan and the World Cup with Italy in a glittering playing career.
